The research about scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) floristic, phytosociological and ecological properties of different habitat zones in Turkey

This study was conducted in natural pure stands of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) ecosystems in different habitat zones such as Ardahan, Artvin, Trabzon, Giresun, Kastamonu, Bolu, Ankara and Eskişehir. In the study, different habitat conditions effects on the development of Scots pine was investigated. One of the main purpose of the study is to find out the floristic, phytososyological and ecological structure of these ecosystems. The sample plots in the selected study areas were distributed in various elevation levels based on subjective sample method. In this context, 220 sample plots were taken from the different habitat zones. One soil profile for each sample plots were evaluated. As well all spatial factors of the sample plots were recorded. The physical (soil type, soil reaction, plant nutrients, etc) and chemical properties of soil affecting diversity of flora and growing of scots pine in the study areas were analyzed. Furthermore, to determine the site index, the tree's age-length was calculated. Flora of sample areas were determined. Plant associations have been identified according to Braun-Blanquet method. The effects of climatic and edaphic factors on the flora of the sites and the growing of scots pine individuals were analyzed using appropriate statistical analysis. As a result of the study, 961 plant taxa and four associations together with two sub associations were identified. Two plant associations and two subassociations are new to science. In particular soil properties, including altitude which had a decisive influence on plant distribution factors were revealed. Soil properties and ecological factors, especially elevation have a decisive influence on plant distribution. Key Words: Pinus sylvestris, Flora, Soil, Habitat zone